2003 Buick starting problem

[ashypete]

I have a 2003 buick that has started to only start in nuitral. It will not start in park. Can you give me some insight as to my problem, and the fix for said problem.

[BNaylor]

On the driver's side of the transmission is a Transmission Range Switch. It is cable operated from the shifter. Check the electrical connectors going to it. Also, visually check operation as it is shifted to PARK. In PARK the cable is fully extended. The same switch is used for NEUTRAL.

[ashypete]

Can you tell me if it is necessary to pull the transmision to replace this switch.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by ashypete

Can you tell me if it is necessary to pull the transmision to replace this switch.

No it is not necessary to pull the tranny. It is mounted to the top left hand side of the tranny to the rear. Look below the area of the brake master cylinder. You should see the shift cable. It is a black module about 4" X 4" with two electrical connector input/outouts.

[ashypete]

Thank for the info. My Chevy garage told me they would have to pll the trany to replace the switch. They said it would cost about $600.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by ashypete

Thank for the info. My Chevy garage told me they would have to pll the trany to replace the switch. They said it would cost about $600.

I'll have to check on that. Before attempting to replace the switch check the two electrical connectors. Look for corrosion and tightness, then reseat. Also, check operation of the shift cable.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by ashypete

Thank for the info. My Chevy garage told me they would have to pll the trany to replace the switch. They said it would cost about $600.

The range switch does not require the removal of the trans.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

The range switch does not require the removal of the trans.

His dealer may be right Shep. The 97 - 02 Century with 4T65E tranny has the range switch on the outside like most "W" bodies, however, the '03 and up Century has a range switch built into the tranny. The side cover must be removed just like doing a PCS solenoid exchange.

No wonder he has a failure. The older style range switch was a lot more reliable and definitely easier to replace. This is applicable to just about all GM cars running the 4T65E from 03 and up.

I checked the AC Delco parts book and the range switch aka neutral/park safety switch is not listed for '03 and up.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

His dealer may be right Shep. The 97 - 02 Century with 4T65E tranny has the range switch on the outside like most "W" bodies, however, the '03 and up Century has a range switch built into the tranny. The side cover must be removed just like doing a PCS solenoid exchange.

No wonder he has a failure. The older style range switch was a lot more reliable and definitely easier to replace. This is applicable to just about all GM cars running the 4T65E from 03 and up.

I checked the AC Delco parts book and the range switch aka neutral/park safety switch is not listed for '03 and up.

Yup, just rechecked my self, my info from 2003 up is sketchy, good catch Bob.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Yup, just rechecked my self, my info from 2003 up is sketchy, good catch Bob.

This one threw me for a loop. But it is good to know. Leave it up to GM to make things harder to DIY.

They should leave well enough alone.

The $600 could be reasonable since that is a typical cost to drop the tranny and replace stuff under the side cover assembly.

[troy1]

ya got to love GM for doing that. there was nothing wrong with having it on the out side of the trans. He might get lucky and have a late 02 an have it on the outside but I doubt it. Take it to a independent shop it should be cheaper.

How many miles you got on your car ashypete might be time to put a PCS in while your in there. if you have over 60,000 miles I would. $50 now will save you $500 again later.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by troy1

ya got to love GM for doing that. there was nothing wrong with having it on the out side of the trans. He might get lucky and have a late 02 an have it on the outside but I doubt it. Take it to a independent shop it should be cheaper.

How many miles you got on your car ashypete might be time to put a PCS in while your in there. if you have over 60,000 miles I would. $50 now will save you $500 again later.

About time you weighed-in Troy and earned your keep, Mr. GM Tranny Advisor.

[troy1]

Yea I'm little slow for some reason I don't get into the century threads much..